Canadian City Told Its Camping Rates are Too Low

June 28, 2012 by Justin Leighty
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Map shows the varied facilities at Beban Park in Nanaimo, British Columbia, where overnight camping is permitted during seven events this year.

The city of Nanaimo, British Columbia, could review costs for camping at its recreational parks, after receiving complaints from private campgrounds that the rates are too low.

Officials are considering revamping their camping policy, which bans overnight stays in city parks for anyone without a permit. The only exceptions to the rule are people caring for animals during the Vancouver Island Exhibition and families participating in swim meets and BMX competitions, Canada.com, Don Mills, Ontario, reported.

Richard Harding, the city’s director of parks, recreation and culture, says they will continue to prohibit overnight camping but would reconsider rates and groups currently exempt from the policy during a review. There are an increasing number of events with overnight camping at Beban Park, including seven this year.

It costs $20 a day for people staying at the park, a rate private campgrounds have complained is too low.

“Our fees are definitely behind those of regular campgrounds and we do not want people to camp (at our facilities) because they are cheaper,” Harding said, adding the city does not want to be in the business of allowing overnight stays.”We want people to look at other accommodations first and use our parks as a last alternative.”

The overnight camping policy has not seen any changes since it was established in 1999, making this a good time to “take a step back and review” what the city allows in its parks, Harding said.